epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as the typical or ideal example of

2

: to make or give an epitome of

Synonyms

• abstract
• boil down
• brief
• digest
• encapsulate
• outline
• recap
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• summarize
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of epitomize in a Sentence

This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.

his personal code of behavior on the playing field is epitomized by his favorite saying, “Nice guys finish last”

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps no one epitomizes that like Mary Church Terrell, who was born just nine months after the Emancipation Proclamation to parents who had been enslaved. —CBS News, 6 June 2024

Tasting olive oil in Tuscany Wine tastings epitomize indulgence, especially immersed in the heart of Tuscany, when visitors can savor glass after glass of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. —Christine Chitnis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

Jacob and his cosmic vibrations epitomize that political reversal. —Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Off the miss, Nunez dove for the loose ball and gained possession in front of several Hawks, a sequence that epitomized Lazzor’s cultural vision. —Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

: to make or serve as an epitome of